Types of engineering courses available in Australia
CRICOS-registered engineering and related technology courses span a range of qualification levels, from short vocational certificates through to full bachelor and postgraduate degrees:
- Certificate III / IV in Engineering — Entry-level trade pathways (e.g., engineering fabrication, instrumentation). Typically 1–2 years, lower cost, delivered by TAFEs and private colleges.
- Diploma / Advanced Diploma — Technical specialisations in areas like drafting, telecommunications, or manufacturing. Often used as a pathway into a bachelor degree with credit transfer.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) — The standard 4-year degree required for professional engineering practice and Engineers Australia membership. Accredited programs at public universities range from approximately AUD 30,000–$50,000 per year for international students.
- Master of Engineering / Engineering Management — 1.5–2 year postgraduate degrees for career changers or graduates seeking to specialise. Available at competitive prices at some regional universities.
Job market and career prospects
Engineering is one of Australia's fastest-growing employment sectors. STEM occupations are projected to grow at 14.2%, roughly double the rate for non-STEM roles. For software and systems engineers specifically, an additional 42,200 positions are projected to be created by late 2026 alone.
The average engineer salary in Australia is approximately AUD 102,566 per year, with experienced professionals in specialised disciplines earning significantly more. Graduate starting salaries in engineering rank among the top five highest of any Australian discipline, with a median of approximately AUD 71,500.
Multiple engineering occupations appear on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), making engineers eligible for skilled migration visa pathways. Civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers are all in sustained demand across major cities and regional areas.
How to find an affordable engineering course
- Compare by field — Use our engineering courses filter to browse all CRICOS-registered programs ranked by tuition fee.
- Consider regional universities — Regional campuses often charge lower fees than city campuses and may qualify you for the Regional Graduate visa (subclass 417 / longer 485 pathways). See our regional study guide.
- Use diploma pathways — A diploma from a TAFE or private college may offer credit towards a bachelor degree at a lower per-unit cost, reducing the total cost of a full engineering qualification.
- Apply for scholarships — Engineering is a target area for many Australian Government and university scholarships. See our scholarships guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest engineering course in Australia for international students?▾
The cheapest CRICOS-registered engineering or related technology course in Australia starts from $390 per year in tuition fees. Fees vary widely by qualification type and provider. Vocational diploma programs are typically much cheaper than university bachelor degrees. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Is engineering on Australia's skilled occupation list?▾
Yes. Civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering all appear on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Skills in Demand (SID) visa pathway. Engineers Australia and state governments regularly assess engineers for skilled migration, making it one of the stronger fields for international students chasing post-study work or permanent residence.
How long does an engineering degree take in Australia?▾
A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) typically takes 4 years full-time. A Masters of Engineering can be completed in 1.5–2 years for those with a relevant undergraduate background. Vocational diploma and certificate programs in engineering-related technologies are shorter, usually 1–2 years, and can serve as pathways to higher qualifications.
What salary can I expect as an engineer in Australia?▾
The average salary for engineers in Australia is approximately AUD 102,566 per year, though this varies significantly by discipline and experience. Specialised fields such as software engineering and petroleum engineering command higher salaries, with senior roles in major cities often exceeding AUD 140,000. Graduate starting salaries in engineering are among the highest across all disciplines.
Start comparing engineering courses
Fee data sourced from the CRICOS register via data.gov.au, updated 1 July 2026.